Bayern duo make large strides in their return from injury

It's been a good many months since either Javi Martinez or Thiago Alcantara have participated in team training, let alone seen the pitch for Bayern Munich. Both midfielders have made significant strides this week in their rehabilitation as they seek a return to the first team lineup.

Thiago Alcantara rejoined Bayern Munich last week to start a fitness regimen and this week has graduated to ball work in addition to his fitness drills. The club even posted a video of his ball work and rehab in case your're a skeptic! Meanwhile, Javi Martinez returned to the grass today to start his own fitness rehabilitation regimen, according to the club. While Martinez was last reportedly a ways away from doing ball work, the fact that he has graduated from the supervision of the trainer's room to running is a massive step forward in his return.

It remains to be seen where each will fit into a deep Bayern Munich squad when they do come back from injury. Both are potentially integral players to the style of play Pep Guardiola demands of the team, but coming back off long term injuries and being thrust directly into the starting 11 would in all likelihood be too much. The season's schedule and whether each can contribute this year are going to be the looming questions over their return in the coming weeks and months.